The test that has become one of the most accepted for academic purposes in the world is one of the requirements for students who want to study in English-speaking countries.
There is not much mystery: the test is divided into four parts (Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking) that are worth 30 points each.
A good grade in the test is a reflection of a balanced average between the four skills. Preparing yourself in advance and knowing the proof will also help you achieve good results.
One of the challenges, however, is to become familiar with the vocabulary of the test. It’s not a seven-headed bug, but the proof tries to handle a variety of content. You will find passages on architecture, botany, history, geology, and many other areas of knowledge that perhaps you have never been interested in.
That is why it is important to strengthen your vocabulary in order to ensure better use.
Do not know where to start? No problem, keep reading we have some tips for you.
1 – PRACTICE!
Well, think of this tip as a reminder: you will not evolve without practicing. Do all your exercises with care and attention. Remember that your preparation time is limited and you need to take advantage of it to the best of your ability.
2 – WRITE IN ENGLISH
If you have a study group, combine with your friends to exchange material. If you study alone, start a diary. Draw general topics, comment some newspaper story. No matter what, the important thing is that you practice as much as possible and try to incorporate new words into your repertoire.
3 – LEARN NEW WORDS
The simplest way to do this is by exposing yourself to English content. Listen to podcasts, read material from relevant sources, and whenever you go through a new word, write down. Make this activity part of your study routine, separate five minutes to listen, see or read some material and stay tuned for new words. Just note, do not stop right now to look for meanings.
4 – TRUST CONTEXT
Do you know the new words you wrote down? So, try to understand them from their context. This means extracting from the text as many elements as possible. What is the text about? What kind of text is this? Does the author of the text make any opinions clear? What is the function of this word? Most of the time, these questions will point you in the right direction. Only after exhausting the text is it worth checking in the dictionary if its conclusion has to do with any of the possible meanings.
5 – DO NOT TRANSLATE FROM THE FACE
One understands the temptation, but it is always better to try to understand that new vocabulary in English. Look for synonyms, definitions, and ways to understand English before translating.
6 – STUDY AS SOON AS YOU WAKE UP AND BEFORE BED
Separating a little time during the morning to study is ideal because you just rest, your brain has been able to recharge the energies and you will produce much more. Equally important is to do a quick review before going to bed: your brain is starting to organize all the information of the day, organizing your memory and defining what will be thrown away.
7 – SEARCH FOR CONTENT THAT INTERESTS YOU
What are the chances of you remembering the vocabulary of that annoying text on a subject you do not care about? Invest in reading materials that involve your interests. You can read about economics, sports, music, film, politics, international trade … the range of topics is endless. It is important, however, that you do not read about just one subject. Creating a vast repertoire is very important.
8 – USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
There are websites, apps and games that can help you increase your vocabulary. Be sending a new word a day to your email, be it through puzzles and crosswords.
All of these tips work if you establish a study routine and stick to it. Whether you are studying alone, or taking our preparatory course , you will need to devote yourself to ensuring the best TOEFL score possible.